Could Autogas be a solution to public sector’s cost concerns?

There’s no denying that the UK is currently experiencing a significant period of change.

Following the 2015 election and a new government in power, we are now set to face another five years of economic austerity as Government continues to tackle the deficit. Following a proposed £10 billion cut to annual welfare spending as well as warnings of £30 billion cuts to departmental budgets, it is anticipated that a huge 1 million public sector jobs will have been axed by the time the next election rolls round. Needless to say, these cuts will put even more pressure on the public sector to slash spending wherever possible.

One thing is clear: never have opportunities for saving and cutting costs been as important, and the case for autogas LPG so evident.

A positive example of how major savings can be made is Anglesey County Council, who first realised the benefits of autogas LPG back in 2007. Following agreements to cut down on harmful emissions and save money, the council made the decision to adopt a ‘green fleet’ policy and convert a large portion of their fleet – 63 vehicles – to LPG. The majority of those vehicles converted were vans which were used by highway inspectors, waste management inspectors, and home carers as well as for general council duties. These types of vehicles are typically expensive in terms of fuel costs and are widely acknowledge as a high level emitter of pollutants, including NOx, which is known to cause and exacerbate respiratory problems, such as asthma.

The council now saves on average £1,200 per vehicle per year, meaning they are able to continue to provide valuable services in the Anglesey area without compromising on quality.

Noel Roberts, the council’s fleet manager, informs us that the council’s “phenomenal savings” have delighted the board with a phenomenal average annual saving of over £75,000! The introduction of autogas LPG has been so successful for the team that they have even installed their own tank on site for refuelling, making it council policy to buy dual vehicles only in future.

Of course, as well as the major money savings to be had, Anglesey Council was also aware of the significant environmental benefits, too. Autogas LPG is known to emit 80 per cent less nitrogen oxide than diesel derivatives, as well as 98 per cent less particulates, a type of pollutant that is recognised for causing and exacerbating respiratory problems. Upon learning this, the team at Anglesey realised that converting to the cheaper fuel would enable them to operate the ‘green fleet’ policy they were keen to pursue. Having conducted air quality screenings in the area since 2003, switching the fleet to autogas LPG would help the board to make major leaps in ensuring clean air for the people of Anglesey.

Certainly for public sector bodies, Anglesey County Council’s success story may provide food for thought as they face further cuts to spending and Government support. So if you are a public servant, or even a business looking for simple ways to cut expenditures, perhaps the switch to autogas LPG could prove a very worthwhile investment.

The cost of autogas LPG, unleaded and diesel fuels per litre displayed and used throughout this website is the UK average taken from petrolprices.com. Please note that the savings calculator is provided as a guide. Actual cost implications should be discussed with the converter/manufacturer of your specific vehicle.